Acoustic Matching Layer Resin Composition for Probe Applications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic matching layers for acoustic wave probes have poor handleability, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance due to high viscosity and susceptibility to corrosion, especially when containing metal nanoparticles, which affects the efficiency and longevity of the probes.
Innovation Solution
A resin composition comprising surface-treated metal particles and a binder, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, that provides good fluidity and mechanical strength, reducing viscosity and corrosion, and maintaining consistent acoustic characteristics, even with high metal particle content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal nanoparticles are used in acoustic matching layers to adjust acoustic impedance, then acoustic characteristics are improved, but viscosity increases and handleability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of metal particles from nanoscale to microscale (1-10 μm), which fundamentally alters the rheological properties of the composition. This parameter change reduces viscosity by several orders of magnitude while maintaining the ability to adjust acoustic impedance, thus resolving the contradiction between acoustic performance and handleability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining metal particles with specific resin binders (epoxy, polyester, or vinyl-based resins). This composite approach allows optimization of both acoustic characteristics (through metal particle content and size) and processability (through resin selection and formulation), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
2Reliability
If metal particles are used in acoustic matching layers, then acoustic impedance matching is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite material where metal particles are embedded in a protective resin matrix. The resin component (epoxy, polyester, or vinyl-based) provides corrosion resistance while the metal particles provide acoustic impedance matching. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties
Solution Approach 2:
The resin binder acts as an intermediary between the metal particles and the external environment. It protects the metal particles from corrosion while allowing them to maintain their acoustic properties. The resin mediates between the need for metal particles (acoustic performance) and the need for corrosion resistance, resolving the contradiction
3Reliability
If high metal particle content is used in acoustic matching layers, then acoustic characteristics are improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the composite formulation by selecting resins with high strength-to-density ratios and appropriate metal particle sizes. The resin matrix provides mechanical strength while the metal particles provide acoustic properties. By carefully balancing the composition and using proper curing agents, the patent achieves both high metal particle content (for acoustic performance) and sufficient mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local distribution and size of metal particles within the resin matrix. By controlling particle size (1-10 μm) and distribution, the patent ensures that metal particles provide acoustic benefits without creating stress concentration points that would weaken the material. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between acoustic performance and mechanical strength
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition enables the formation of acoustic matching layers with improved handleability, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and minimal variation in acoustic characteristics, enhancing the performance and durability of acoustic wave probes.
Implementation Method 1
surface-treated metal particles
Implementation Method 2
a binder including a resin, and surface-treated metal particles, wherein, when the resin is thermosetting resin, the cured product has good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Provided are a resin composition, for an acoustic matching layer, that contains a binder including a resin and surface-treated metal particles; a cured product formed from the composition; an acoustic matching sheet; an acoustic wave probe; an acoustic wave measuring apparatus; a method for manufacturing an acoustic wave probe; and a material set, for an acoustic matching layer, that is suitable for preparation of the composition.